Metal shaping contors and rounding off reduce the dust

[Chris Richards 3Participant @chrisrichards3]

Hello,

Bit of a thread to discuss methods on reducing air borne dust in the workshop. Basically dust is becoming an issue when finishing off components such as dressing up welds etc.. In a bid to save my lungs I need to change my ways.

Currently after meat removal via milling and then welding I would finish off final shaping with a flap wheel in a grinder. This is fast and dirty but gives freedom to create contorts and round edges and dress up welds.

Current alternatives I can think of is hand files, burrs etc.

I'm thinking things like belt sanders could control dust, what's everyone's thoughts?

Thanks,

Chris

[Chris Richards 3Participant @chrisrichards3]

[Anonymous]

Do it outside, then the dust doesn't matter – Andrew

[Chris Richards 3Participant @chrisrichards3]

I can't do it outside because of the noise it's a daily occurrence, although it would be the easiest solution for the odd job scenario.

[Martin CottrellParticipant @martincottrell21329]

Hi Chris, have you tried a dust mask? They are available in various forms depending on how effectively you need to filter the air you are breathing. Have a look on the Screwfix site (no connection other than as an occasional customer) and you will find a bewildering choice!

Regards Martin.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

> to save my lungs I need to change my ways

If you aren't wearing a dust mask, get one. I have a plastic mask that takes cheap refills and is better than the disposable ones (actually I often pull the elastic off a disposable and put it in the plastic one).

There are some really good designs including ones that blow clean air over your face, rather than having to wear an airtight mask,

Neil

[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

ADMINISTER TOOLS (no connection) do a free standing (hung from ceiling) dust filter. Its a bit pricy, but saves on your health.

[Chris Richards 3Participant @chrisrichards3]

Hi Martin,

I do use various masks such as carbon filled for welding fumes etc.. but I suffer fatigue throughout the end of the day. I also think there not working as I've got a weird chesty cough that's been on and off for a while. I have bought a Nedderman vac that I can point towards the dust and clean up afterwards but still can't reduce the dust enough. I think my hobbys got a bit industrial and I forgot about health and safety. It's now my bread and butter so can't stop I just need to try different techniques I guess

[Chris Richards 3Participant @chrisrichards3]

Hi Neil,

What are the plastic type like for fatigue?

I guess an air fed types best but I figured reducing the dust created would be better than the cure.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Posted by Chris Richards 3 on 22/08/2015 21:50:04:

Hi Neil,

What are the plastic type like for fatigue?

I guess an air fed types best but I figured reducing the dust created would be better than the cure.

Not brilliant, I don't use it for long periods, by the sound of it a positive pressure air mask would suit you best.

Neil

[Ady1Participant @ady1]

My uncle, as strong as an ox, worked in the yards for years and faded away to nothing in his 60s after breathing all the metal/welding/dust + crap for 20+ years

His brother and sister are fine and heading for their 80s

At the very least, always wear a dust mask or the dust will get you too

I think my hobbys got a bit industrial and I forgot about health and safety. It's now my bread and butter so can't stop I just need to try different techniques I guess

I would invest in some serious kit if I was you, full headgear kinda stuff with an external air supply and good lighting to make detailed maskwork easier

That funny wee cough is you being warned, it doesn't matter how strong you are, your lungs are just floppy wet bags for processing oxygen and they absorb all those particles you breathe

Edited By Ady1 on 23/08/2015 12:17:01

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

And don't not go to the doctor because you don't want him to tell you to ease off!

Neil

[Alan Waddington 2Participant @alanwaddington2]

When I worked in industry we had some Racal air fed welding masks, we only used them for really bad jobs such as air arc gouging or welding with flux cored mig wire. They were a brilliant piece of kit but heavy and worked off a rechargeable battery, this was 25 years ago so I'm sure the wearability will have improved.

I served my time as a boiler maker/welder but got out as soon as I could, all the old boys were, deaf, half blind, had bad chests, dodgy backs or missing digits……..the writing was on the wall !

you don't say how big your parts are, could you possibly use a vibratory tumbler to knock the edges off ?

[David JuppParticipant @davidjupp51506]

Maybe even consider a bench with downdraught airflow if you are doing this full time.

Alternate welding methods might reduce the need for dressing…?

[MuzzerParticipant @muzzer]

Posted by Chris Richards 3 on 22/08/2015 21:38:11:

…..I think my hobbys got a bit industrial and I forgot about health and safety. It's now my bread and butter..

No excuse not to use full personal protection equipment. If you were an employer you would have a legal duty to protect your employees. Presumably you consider yourself an employee now?

We find it easy to slag off H&S regulations but also like hearing anecdotes about poor health and accidents. The risks are well understood (demonstrated, if you like).

[martin perman 1Participant @martinperman1]

Chris,

I made an extractor from a large mains powered computer style fan and some large bore flexible hose that when I'm welding or making dust is always on with the hose out a window and for me it works well.

Martin P

[martin perman 1Participant @martinperman1]

Chris,

I made an extractor from a large mains powered computer style fan and some large bore flexible hose that when I'm welding or making dust is always on with the hose out a window and for me it works well.

Martin P

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

I think you need a wood turners big dust extractor fan with 4inch duct. High volume rather than the high suction of a vacuum cleaner and arrange a complementary air inlet to the shed that comes in right by your head.. Make sure the inlet and outlet from the shed don't allow the dust to circle back in.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

I received this link from Axminster today, may be of some help:

Axminster dust masks and extractors

Neil

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